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Is Junction City a Good Place to Live? Junction City, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Junction City ranks #812 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #142 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.4%, #14 of 151) and affordable homes ($171,500, #43 of 231), and trails on high violent crime (609 per 100,000, #130 of 146) and high unemployment (4.3%, #55 of 67).
Junction City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Junction City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Junction City?
Junction City's cost of living index is 90.2, 10% below the US level of 100 and #211 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,024/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $202,937, 19% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Junction City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 90.2#211 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $202,937#121 of 1,187 | $249,603 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,185/mo#89 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $171,500#145 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,024/mo#240 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20.1%#458 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Junction City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Junction City is in the Manhattan, KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Junction City safe?
Junction City recorded 609 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 86% above the US rate of 328 and 33% above Kansas's 457. That ranks #916 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #130 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Junction City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,855 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Junction City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 609#916 of 1,085 | 457 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,855#648 of 1,085 | 1,797 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Junction City?
The median household in Junction City earns $61,181, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Junction City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $61,181#1018 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 17.5%#1015 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +2.4%#71 of 1,132 | +0.4% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Junction City?
The median resident of Junction City is 28.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #953 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Junction City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 28.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 25.6%#953 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 50.4% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Junction City's schools and health?
Junction City's 8 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 13.2 students per teacher and $14,825 spent per pupil. 35% of adults are obese and 11% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Junction City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.2#193 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,825#606 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 35%#770 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11%#624 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 12.2%#889 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,592 students are enrolled in Junction City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Junction City?
The average commute in Junction City is 19 minutes (Kansas 20); 1.1% of workers take transit and 5.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Junction City scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.7°F and winters 31.7°F, with 32.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Junction City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 19 min#261 of 1,312 | 20 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.4%#89 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 79.6% | 76% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.8% | 2.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 5.9% | 10.3% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.7#1122 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39.2 | 19.3 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 43.8 | 22.5 | 1.1 |
| Mar | 55.1 | 32.7 | 2 |
| Apr | 65.1 | 42.1 | 3.1 |
| May | 74.3 | 53.8 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 84.2 | 64.1 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 89.2 | 68.9 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 87.6 | 66.5 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 80.1 | 58 | 2.8 |
| Oct | 68.1 | 45.2 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 54 | 32.7 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 42.4 | 23.1 | 1.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Milford Lake.
| Measure | Junction City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 54.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 76.7°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 31.7°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 32.9 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Milford Lake.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Junction City?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Junction City's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Geary County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, wildfire, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 51% of US counties.
| Measure | Junction City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#666 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Geary County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Geary County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0041% | 85% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0094% | 84% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0011% | 80% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.015% | 74% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.097% | 67% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0032% | 63% of counties |
| Hail | 0.002% | 48% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Junction City compare with similar-size cities?
Junction City is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #142 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 22,331.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junction City, KSPop. 22,331 | #812 | 53.2 | $61,181 | $1,024/mo | 609 | 19 min |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #945 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 | 13.3 min |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #937 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 | 27.4 min |
| Portsmouth, NHPop. 22,545 | #84 | 68.9 | $106,219 | $1,869/mo | 203 | 22.2 min |
| Bear, DEPop. 22,370 | #758 | 54.1 | $91,687 | $1,771/mo | no data | 24.1 min |
| Ruston, LAPop. 22,284 | #1231 | 43.6 | $31,120 | $816/mo | 286 | 15.1 min |
| Sanford, MEPop. 22,247 | #521 | 57.8 | $72,524 | $1,152/mo | 190 | 28.1 min |
| Kapolei, HIPop. 22,232 | #248 | 63.3 | $128,324 | $2,311/mo | no data | 31.2 min |
| Sun Valley, NVPop. 22,228 | #1214 | 44.5 | $77,446 | $1,214/mo | no data | 25.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Junction City compare with the rest of Kansas?
Junction City ranks #15 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 53.2 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 19% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 33% above the statewide rate. Homes are 19% below the typical Kansas home.
| City | Rank in KS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #1 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #2 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 |
| Lenexa, KSPop. 58,384 | #3 | 68.3 | $103,239 | $1,454/mo | 180 |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #4 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 |
| Prairie Village, KSPop. 22,874 | #5 | 67.1 | $113,530 | $1,794/mo | 96 |
| Shawnee, KSPop. 68,542 | #6 | 66.0 | $109,940 | $1,322/mo | 228 |
| Gardner, KSPop. 24,526 | #7 | 64.8 | $96,818 | $1,306/mo | 185 |
| Salina, KSPop. 46,307 | #8 | 58.2 | $61,783 | $959/mo | 449 |
| Dodge City, KSPop. 27,613 | #9 | 57.4 | $68,721 | $1,045/mo | 185 |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #10 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 |
| Lawrence, KSPop. 96,051 | #11 | 56.0 | $65,009 | $1,091/mo | 441 |
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #12 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year |
| Manhattan, KSPop. 54,239 | #13 | 55.1 | $60,172 | $1,003/mo | no data |
| Emporia, KSPop. 24,131 | #14 | 53.7 | $52,704 | $815/mo | 266 |
| Junction City, KSPop. 22,331 | #15 | 53.2 | $61,181 | $1,024/mo | 609 |
| Leavenworth, KSPop. 37,195 | #16 | 53.0 | $72,987 | $1,229/mo | 455 |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #17 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 |
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #18 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #19 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #20 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 |
All 20 Kansas cities we track, by overall score. Kansas statewide: median income $75,514, violent crime 457.2 per 100,000.
How is Junction City's score calculated?
Junction City scores 53.2 out of 100, #812 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Kansas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Junction City. Similar-size median 41.9.
44.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Junction City's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
54.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Junction City. Similar-size median 56.5.
50.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Junction City's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
61.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Junction City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
83.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Junction City. Similar-size median 50.8.
34.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Junction City. Similar-size median 35.2.
64.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Junction City. Similar-size median 48.3.
44.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Junction City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
35.3 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
51.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Junction City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Junction City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Junction City
Is Junction City, KS a good place to live?
Junction City ranks #812 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #142 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.4%, #14 of 151) and affordable homes ($171,500, #43 of 231), and trails on high violent crime (609 per 100,000, #130 of 146) and high unemployment (4.3%, #55 of 67).
What is the cost of living in Junction City?
Junction City's cost of living index is 90.2, 10% below the US level of 100 and #211 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,024/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $202,937, 19% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Junction City?
Junction City recorded 609 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 86% above the US rate of 328 and 33% above Kansas's 457. That ranks #916 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #130 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Junction City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,855 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Junction City?
The median household in Junction City earns $61,181, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Junction City?
Median rent in Junction City is $1,024/mo (Census), #240 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,185/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Junction City?
The typical home value in Junction City is $202,937, down 2.8% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $171,500.
How are the public schools in Junction City?
Junction City's 8 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 13.2 students per teacher and $14,825 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Junction City?
The average commute is 19 minutes, #261 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 2.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Junction City?
Junction City averages 54.7°F over the year, 76.7°F in summer and 31.7°F in winter, with 32.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Junction City walkable?
Junction City scores 7.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Junction City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Geary County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, wildfire, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 51% of US counties.
Who lives in Junction City?
Junction City has 22,331 residents. The median resident of Junction City is 28.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #953 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Junction City compare with the rest of Kansas?
Junction City ranks #15 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 53.2 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 19% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 33% above the statewide rate. Homes are 19% below the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Junction City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Junction City's population of 22,331 are North Platte, NE (#945 overall), Central Falls, RI (#937 overall), Portsmouth, NH (#84 overall), Bear, DE (#758 overall), and Ruston, LA (#1231 overall). Junction City is #812.